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Don't Worry, Be Happy: Philippians 4:5-7

Be Happy

No one said being a Christian was going to be one giant love-fest where everything is always cheery. Most of us Christians don't look or act anything like Ned Flanders from the Simpson's cartoon. Flanders seems to be the ideal Christian most non-Christians envision. It would certainly be very difficult to live up to that fictional character. Even Jesus drove out the money-changers with a whip in hand. Even Paul withstood Peter to the face and parted ways with John Mark.

Yet the Bible says:

"Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." -- Philippians 4:5-7

Doesn't God know we have bills to pay, teenagers to raise, daily trials to endure? Sometimes we don't want to be "gentle" -- we want to scream! But let us always consider; The Lord is at hand -- always with us, always present, even in the worst of situations.

Romans 8:28 confirms:

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

I know it can seem difficult at times, as if no one can understand what you are going through. But take some time to pray to God about your trials. It need not be some elaborate prayer full of "thees" and "thous" -- simply a quiet, inner prayer, a communication to God.

Matthew 6:5-7 says:

"And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words."

So, though you and I may never be as outwardly "okilly-dokilly" as Ned Flanders, just maybe we can be happy, happy in Christ.

For more cheering up, listen to the Bobby McFerrin song, "Don't Worry, Be Happy". -- Trivia, there are no instruments used in the song, only sounds by McFerrin's own voice.